Review: Vertigo at Banyan Tree Bangkok Takes Dining in the Sky to New Heights
High above the bustling streets, where the skyline stretches endlessly toward the horizon, dining at Vertigo Restaurant at Banyan Tree Hotel Bangkok becomes more than just a meal—it becomes an experience shaped by atmosphere, anticipation, and the quiet thrill of being suspended between earth and sky.
I have long been a fan of rooftop bars and restaurants, and besides New York, I can hardly think of another city in the world that is more amazing to admire from above than Bangkok. Staying at the Banyan Tree Hotel during my last vacation in Thailand, I could not resist dining at an elevated restaurant one evening. It is an elevated dining experience not just physically, but also in every other sense—complete with al fresco à la carte dishes cooked to perfection, amazing service, and jaw-dropping vistas.
Vertigo & Moon Rooftop Bar at Banyan Tree Bangkok, located on the 61st floor, provides a breathtaking 360-degree view of the city skyline. The venue features two distinct areas: the restaurant, Vertigo, and the bar, Moon Bar. During my first trip to Thailand in 2016, visiting rooftop bars was part of the itinerary, so I was already quite familiar with Moon Bar, its list of colorful cocktails, and those incredible views you just can’t get enough of.
Experiencing Vertigo: A Unique Dining Adventure
Dining at an elevated restaurant had been on my bucket list for quite some time, and after reading several reviews online, I was eager to finally experience it. It was the 19th of December when I had my dinner reservation at the restaurant. Being such a touristic spot and one of the best places to admire the sunset, the bar attracts quite a diverse crowd, but the atmosphere subtly changes once you move into the restaurant area, where the mood becomes more intimate and refined.
This restaurant offers a unique al fresco dining experience on a rooftop terrace, where guests can enjoy a grill-and-bar menu while soaking in panoramic views of the glittering city below. As Asia’s first rooftop grill, it serves exquisite dishes that perfectly complement the stunning vistas, making it a truly memorable dining experience in the heart of Bangkok.
Going up from my room to the restaurant, I was trying to guess whether the name of the restaurant was really inspired by the iconic Hitchcock movie Vertigo from 1958, starring Kim Novak and James Stewart. Stepping out of the elevator and walking up the round staircase to reach the rooftop, some people may experience a bit of dizziness when they reach the top—so the name would naturally make sense—but once there, you are completely mesmerized. From above, this megacity unfolds in all directions toward the horizon, and from there one can truly feel the pulse of the city. It’s like putting your ear on someone’s chest to listen to their beating heart. And, GOD, Bangkok feels so alive.
I let my Hitchcock references fade from my mind and made my way to the Restaurant, where a table was booked in my name and I was welcomed with the traditional warmth of Thai hospitality. Still awestruck by the views (it was my third time there, yet I experienced it as if it were the first), it took me around 15 minutes before I could finally focus on the menu.
With a fresh ginger tea in hand, I simply sat there, feeling a bit overwhelmed by this “on top of the world” experience. The restaurant and bar also have a very clever layout: they are built in a stepped turret shape on top of the hotel, so all tables enjoy uninterrupted views of the city. Even when the restaurant is full, you can still take in the full 360-degree panorama.
I chose the Vegetarian Set Menu. The food is simple, but in the best way possible. I have been to restaurants that go out of their way with presentation, where the food itself sometimes takes a secondary role, so over time I have learned to appreciate simplicity, flavors, and honest cooking. I truly came to understand that a good dish doesn’t need to be sophisticated to be memorable.
The Vegetarian Set Menu at an elevated restaurant is thoughtfully composed, offering clean flavors, fresh ingredients, and comforting combinations that feel just right for an evening high above the city.
My dinner began with a Rooftop Rustic Salad, a refreshing and well-balanced starter that immediately awakens the palate. Creamy avocado pairs beautifully with the gentle bite of edamame, while pomegranate seeds add small bursts of sweetness and acidity. The berry house dressing ties everything together with a light, fruity note.
Afterwards, the Mushroom Truffle Soup offers a more indulgent start. Made with champignon mushrooms and finished with coconut cream, the soup is smooth, rich, and comforting. The truffle aroma is present but not overwhelming, adding depth rather than drama, while a touch of green oil brings freshness and a subtle herbal note.
For the main course, the Vegetarian Empanada delivers a satisfying and comforting centerpiece to the meal. The pastry is crisp on the outside and warm and soft inside, filled generously and paired with a coconut marinara sauce that adds gentle sweetness and a tropical touch. The wild green salad on the side keeps the plate balanced, adding freshness and a pleasant contrast to the richness of the empanada.
Dessert came in the form of a Vegan Dark Chocolate Banana, and it was a lovely way to end the meal. The combination of rich dark chocolate and ripe banana is always a classic, but here it’s elevated with cinnamon and a delicate coconut milk jelly that adds softness and lightness to the plate.
Overall, the Vegetarian Set Menu at the restaurant proves that fine dining does not need to rely on complexity. Instead, it focuses on quality ingredients, careful balance, and flavors that feel both familiar and refined—an experience that feels perfectly in harmony with the calm elegance of dining above the glowing city of Bangkok.
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